Pomona, CA - Recipe of the Race
Team JEGS chef Nicky Morse -- brings his unique recipes to NHRA fans each
race with a new installment of "Quarter-mile Cuisine." Morse takes
readers step-by-step through many of his award-winning recipes, the same
ones he's prepared for countless racers, movie stars, musicians,
athletes, fellow celebrity chefs, and government dignitaries over his
career. From the knee of his Italian grandmother, to exhaustive training
at Ohio's top French restaurant, to stints as a culinary instructor at
Ohio State University, Morse's knowledge of cooking is as varied as the
recipes he offers.
Just a few notes before the recipe.
The last couple weeks have been very busy for us in the Jeg's camp. It
started in Tucson the Sunday before the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.
We had rattle snakes in our pit while we were testing. I had no idea that
they came out at night until Jeg Jr. and I got back from about a mile walk
in the dark to find that Dave Byers had killed the second rattle snake
while we were gone.
I would like to thank the Speedway Children's Charities for allowing me to
be part of the annual Cards for Kids Texas Hold 'em Poker Tournament at the
Cannery Casino and Hotel. I had a great time. I do not normally like to
play cards for money with people I know because I do some card tricks in my
spare time, and sometimes the two just don't mix. So, it was ironic that
(two) 2 of diamonds showed up in our deck during the tournament after
playing for about 20-30 minutes at the same table. Peter Biondo seemed to
think that it came out of my sleeve. They switched decks and after playing
for about 10 more minutes with a blue deck, they found a brown card in the
deck. (Sorry Pete- I wish I could!) I had great time and look forward to
participating again next year.
One more note. I was part of a group that accompanied retired Lt. Col.
Brian Lihani (Bear) to Nellis Air Force Base to watch Jeg Jr. strap into a
rocket. Not really, but kind of... He flew with the U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds. What an amazing experience. I was worried about what Jeg Jr.
was supposed to eat before flying because this is not your average joy
ride. Bear was very helpful in recommending a diet for him the 24 hours
before flying. Bear- Thanks for a great time!!
We are ending the 2008 NHRA POWERade Series. It has been an incredible
year. I have made many new friends and met many great fans. I wish you all
the best during the upcoming holidays.
Hail to the Cheese!
This is a fun recipe that is pretty simple. It is an elegant look in a very
short time. And, it can be made in advance and held in an airtight
container to be used later.
Cheese Basket
(1 serving)
Ingredients:
1 Ounce Reggiano Parmigiano (Shredded - not grated)
To Taste Black Pepper (Fresh Ground)
As needed Food Release
Procedure:
Heat a 7 inch non-stick skillet to 325 degrees. (I use my surface
temperature gun to check the skillet temperature.)
Spray the pan lightly with food release.
Sprinkle the cheese somewhat evenly in the pan.
Sprinkle the cheese with black pepper.
Cook until the cheese is light brown.
Carefully remove the cheese and lay it over a 4 inch cylinder; cool to
room temperature. (When laying the cheese over a cylinder, fold the
cheese around the edges of the cylinder. This is going to create the
basket effect. The cheese should be crispy when cool.)
Add your favorite salad to the cheese basket.
Note: Make sure that the salad that you put in the cheese basket is
put in at the last minute to keep the cheese basket crispy.
- Enjoy!
-credit: team jegs
